Nepal flash flood sweeps away 35 houses, damages hydropower project; army launches rescue

The latest flooding occurred in Chumnubri village after the water level in the Budhi Gandaki River rose sharply, sending thick mud and debris downstream.

Videos circulating on social media showed the river turning black and grey as muddy flood waters surged through the area.

River level rises above danger mark within minutes

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said the water level rose from 3.66 metres at 6:30 am to 8.43 metres at 8:40 am, well above the danger mark of five metres.

The agency reported that the water level increased by more than two metres in just 10 minutes between 8:30 am and 8:40 am.

"Since the flood also washed away the measurement center, including the bridge, further details could not be obtained," the NDRRMA said in a statement issued at 11:50 am.

The agency said the flooding was not caused by rainfall. Preliminary information and satellite imagery suggested that the river may have been temporarily blocked before the blockage breached, triggering a sudden surge of water.

A detailed technical investigation into the cause of the disaster is underway.

No casualties had been reported at the time of the initial assessment.

Nepal Army deployed for search and rescue

The Nepal Army has deployed personnel by air and land to conduct search and rescue operations in the affected areas.

Army teams carried out aerial reconnaissance and ground assessments and airlifted six people to safety from Jagat, an area considered vulnerable to landslides.

"A Composite Quick Reaction Team stationed in Kathmandu was also airlifted to the affected area," the army said in a statement.

Authorities have urged residents living along the river and in downstream settlements to move to safe locations and stay away from riverbanks and other vulnerable areas until Sunday evening.

Nepal still reeling from deadly August floods

The latest disaster comes as Nepal continues to recover from devastating flash floods in August near the Nepal-Tibet border.

The earlier disaster sent torrents of water down the Bhotekoshi River, sweeping away houses, vehicles, roads and bridges while damaging hydropower infrastructure.

At least 1,453 people were killed and more than 5,000 were reported missing in the earlier disaster, according to the figures cited in the report.

The August floods highlighted the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to sudden flooding, landslides and other natural hazards.